Lucas County recognizes Toledo Construction Tradeswomen and Owens Community College president for Women’s History Month

Lucas County commissioners used part of their March 25 meeting to recognize local women leaders for Women’s History Month, presenting proclamations to the Toledo Construction Trades Women and to Dr. Dionne D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College.

Tressa (last name not specified in the transcript), identified in the remarks as president of the Toledo Construction Trades Women and a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 50, accepted the group’s recognition alongside apprentice Lydia Lanzarote and representatives of the Northwest Ohio Building Trades Council. Commissioner remarks described the organization’s work recruiting women, women of color and veterans into construction trades and supporting apprentices through mentorship and outreach.

“Union labor has profounded an impact that has on countless lives,” Tressa said in brief remarks, describing the group’s efforts to recruit women and to provide visible role models for younger students.

Commissioners praised the tradeswomen for breaking barriers and noted local partnerships with unions, employers and community groups. The board voted unanimously to proclaim March as Women’s History Month recognitions for the tradeswomen’ organization.

Later in the meeting the board presented a separate proclamation to Dr. Dionne D. Somerville, who leads Owens Community College. Commissioners applauded Somerville’s effort to boost enrollment, pursue strategic plans and emphasize regional partnerships, and they cited a recent $31.3 million health education facility described in the meeting remarks as a state-of-the-art center for nursing and allied-health programs. The board unanimously approved the proclamation recognizing her contributions to regional workforce and higher-education access.

Both proclamations were presented during the public agenda; each was followed by a roll-call vote recorded as unanimous by the clerk.